Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what are the most common reasons for a presenting officer not to be sent to Social Security and Child Support Tribunal hearings by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Staffing levels mean it is not possible to send a Presenting Officer to every hearing. We prioritise attendance at tribunals where HM Courts and Tribunals Service have specifically directed a Presenting Officer to attend.